“Your stupid head is thicker than I thought for, if you do not know already. If you do not know it may save you a short time of the bitter dose you are going to take. Here comes Stanyan, and there is no need to delay longer.” The sheriff was indeed driving up to the place, and the ’squire immediately ordered his team brought in front of the store. “Here is the chip-of-the-old-block Bayne,” declared Hardy, waving his hand toward Rob. “I thought it would be a good thing to take him right along.” “A capital idea,” replied the officer. “Jump in here with me, young man, and, mind you, no monkeying about this!” Rob’s first thought was to refuse to go, but, fortunately, a wiser thought decided him, and he entered the sheriff’s wagon, saying: “I do not understand what you want of me, but I am willing to go, for I have done no wrong.” “That remains to be seen,” retorted the officer, sharply, and a moment later he started in the direction of Break o’ Day, with the ’squire close behind him, while as many as a dozen teams followed the latter. Rob’s mind was deeply impressed that evil was about to fall upon him and his friends, but he could not see clearly its nature. He could not realize that his father, after all the years he had been away, had appeared in this country town, making his coming more tragical by being concerned in the recent robbery. As yet he could not believe his father had sunk so low as to become a common housebreaker. As they came in sight of his home Rob caught sight of his mother at one of the windows, but she quickly disappeared. “Look out sharp for the youngster, Hardy,” called out the sheriff. “I will look after our man inside, while the rest of you”--addressing his companions--“surround the house and see that the dog does not escape. Remember, you will be justified in shooting him if he offers resistance.” Having given this command, Mr. Stanyan started toward the door. It was opened by Mrs. Little, who asked: “What is wanted?” “We want him!” exclaimed the officer. “I am the sheriff, so stand aside for the law.” “There is nobody here that you can want, sir. We are honest----” “We are after Gid Bayne, and we know he is hiding here. If he’ll give up peaceably we’ll not hurt the rest of you.” “Who said he was here?” asked the frightened woman, and through that question the hopes of Rob fell like lead. His father was there! “I do!” thundered the sheriff, and Mrs. Little retreated before his terrific appearance. How Little Hickory chafed at his own helplessness, and catching sight of his mother at that moment, he cried to her: “Do not let them frighten you, mother. They cannot harm you.” “What do you accuse my husband of now?” she demanded of the officer, bravely facing the other. “Of breaking and entering the store and post office of Basinburg.” “He is innocent, sir!” “Bah! who heeds the words of such as you? It will prove a sweet job for him when we catch him. Where is he?”